Six Nations: France suffer a THIRD huge blow as update given on Charles Ollivon injury

France were dealt a massive setback ahead of their Six Nations campaign with the news that star back-rower Charles Ollivon has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to a knee injury.

The 31-year-old is set to have an operation after it as confirmed that he had ruptured his cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during Toulon’s triumph over Racing 92 in their Top 14 encounter on Saturday.

‘I have to stop doing what I love’

“Sharing this moment with you is hard… I have to stop doing what I love for now and get surgery soon,” said Ollivon on his Instagram account.

“How not to be touched by all your messages of concern and unfailing support, thank you.”

The former Les Bleus skipper said he is fully “behind the team before I can join it next season.”

Star France back in Six Nations blow after undergoing surgery

The flanker’s career was previously impacted between 2017 and 2019 due to shoulder and scapula injures, before he tore the ACL in his left knee in 2021.

Third injury for France

Losing Ollivon will be the third setback for France head coach Fabien Galthie ahead of the Six Nations after he also lost the services of experienced centres Gael Fickou and Jonathan Danty.

Fickou and Danty have both been sidelined for the start of the Six Nations after sustaining thumb and meniscus injuries respectively.

France’s Six Nations campaign gets underway against Wales at the Stade de France on January 31.

READ MORE: France dealt ANOTHER injury setback ahead of the Six Nations